Uniforms

ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT Rockefeller Incentive School 700 East 17th Phone 324-2385 Little Rock, Arkansas 72206 May 19, 1993 Dear Parents: Attached you will find the recommendations made for the school uniform that students at Rockefeller Incentive School will wear at the beginning of the 1993-94 school year. I wanted you to have the information early so you will have adequate time to prepare for the clothing needs for your child. We are very excited about this change and I want to extend my thanks to the parents and teachers for serving on the uniform committee. They met on several occasions and researched the many possibilities before making the final decisions. I hope that the "Question and Answer" part of material will be helpful and answer any questions you might have. The style show that we had showing how the students will look in their uniforms was a huge success. The students looked wonderful and having the children dressed in uniforms next year will be a welcome addition to the overall appearance of our school. Thank you very much for your cooperation. We have had such a good year with all children. of you and your very special Sincerely, Anne Mangan, Prine: rincipal LITTLELITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 1f a s Rockefeller Incentive School 700 East 17th Phone 324-2385 Little Rock, Arkansas 72206 ROCKEFELLER INCENTIVE SCHOOL 1993-94 STUDENT UNIFORM POLICY GIRLS: SKIRTS Colors Style CULOTTE SKIRT - Navy Blue Skirt or Plaid Skirt (plaid # 76 at Jack n Jill) Plaid selected is only one accepted. - Pleated (4 pleats #34, or knife pleats #32) Colors - Navy Blue or Plaid (#76 at Jack n Jill) .1 Style - Split Skirt POLO KNIT SHIRT (with collar) Colors - Solid white, light blue, navy blue Style OXFORD CLOTH BLOUSE Long or short sleeve, plain. no emblem Colors - Solid white or light blue Style TURTLE NECK KNIT SHIRT Long or short sleeve with a collar Color - Solid white, light blue, or navy blue Style - Turtle neck mock or rolled collar PANTS/SLACKS Color - Navy or Khaki Style - Pleated or plain front (side pockets optional) Belted or elastic waist SHORTS Color Navy Blue Style - Knee Length Walking Shorts(l" above knee only) JUMPER Color Navy Plaid (plaid #76 selected at Jack n Jill) Plaid selected is only one accepted SOCKS Style - Drop waist with pleats (#95) or V cut top with pleated skirt (#62) Slight scoop neck with pleated skirt Color White or Navy Blue Style - Regular Short Length, Knee Length, or Tights SHOES Color Plain white or Navy Blue Black or brown leather Socks are required at all times OTHER OPTIONAL ITEMS OF CLOTHING Sweaters - Navy Blue or White Cardigan or V-Neck Sweat Shirt - Navy Blue plain with no emblem fI LITTLE 3 S ROCK SCHOOL DISTR ICT Rockefeller Incentive School 700 East 17th Phone 324-2385 Little Rock, Arkansas 72206 ROCKEFELLER INCENTIVE SCHOOL 1993-94 STUDENT UNIFORM POLICY BOYS
PANTS/SLACKS Color - Navy Blue or Khaki Style Pleated or plain front with side pockets optional, belt or elastic waist. *Belt is required with pants having belt loops SHIRT Colors - White,'Light Blue, or Navy Blue Style - Polo Knit Shirt (with collar) or Turtle Neck mock or rolled collar Oxford Cloth shirts(white or light blue only) *Shirts must be plain with no emblems SOCKS Colors Style - White or navy blue - Regular Short Length or Knee Length *Socks required at all times. SHOES Colors Plain White or Navy Blue Black or Brown leather SHORTS Color - Navy Blue Style - Knee Length Walking Shorts(l" above knee only) OTHER OPTIONAL ITEMS OF CLOTHING Sweaters - Navy Blue or White Cardigan or V-Neck Sweat Shirt - Navy Blue plain with no emblem rockefeller incentive SCHOOL uniform COMMITTEE MEMBERS: PTA EXECUTIVE BOARD & CHRISTOPHER ALLEN Awm c RFRRY (BF) MOTHER OF AMBER BERRY ANGELA BERRY, wnTUFR DF aS( vSv "fJanoile Aoore
(SF) VH grade SARAH CLARK, (WF) 1ST CWE') MOTHER OF RYAN GIBSON ' _______rsriKiAl (BF) mother of TERRANCE STEVENSON ROY ANNE MANGAN, (WF) PRINCIPAL LARTER, (BF) ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL district uniform COMMITTEE: WHITNEY AND DEVIN ALBERT & LILLIE CARTER MoVhER of earl WILSON 1. WHEN WILL THE STUDENTS ANSWER: Students will begin begin wearing uniforms? wearing uniforms at the beginning of the 1993-1994 school year. 2. WHAT WILL THE UNIFORM BE FOR BOYS AND GIRLS? RECOMMENDED UNIFORM FOR GIRLS: skirt (4-pleat #34, knife pleated #32) Plaid (#76) skirt ( plaid (#76) culotte (split) skirt Navy blue (selected at Jack n Navy blue or . Navy blue pants/slacks Khaki pants A belt (black brown, or navy) required with A DeiU - skirt/pants w/belt ^op pleated Navy blue jumper (#95 Drop ''Jill) Plaid jumper (plaid.76 selected at Jack n Jli Pnlo knit shirt (white, light blue, y ?uJ?le n^k knit shirt(white,li9ht_blue,navy blue) Shirts must be plain i,_-. Oxford cloth blouse (white or with no emblems light blue) Regular Socks (white or navy blue) ReqUiar QU'-hs - -- - Knee socks or tights (white, navy blue) Plain white or navy blue Brown or black leather shoes Navy blue tennis shoes iacK ieairiei knee length walking shorts(l above kne ) white cardigan or V-neck sweater emblem) Navy blue or ---------- . nr, Navy blue sweat shirt (plain with no Socks are required at all timesrecommended UNIFORM FOR BOYS: Navy blue . Khaki pants/slacks pants/slacks with belt Belt (black. brown, or navy) is required with belt loops pants having oexu ""^^ok init shirtiwhite,light blue.navy Shirts must be plain with no emblems , cloth shirts (white or Anrks (white or navy blue) Plain white or navy blue tennis shoes black leather shoes knee length walking Turtle Oxford Brown or Navy blue navy blue) light blue) navy blue shorts(l"above knee) V-neck sweater white cardigan or . with no emblem) Navy blue or -----_ navy 'w/l-u sweat shirt (plain Socks are required at all times Navy blue REQUIRED P.E UNIFORM FOR ALL BOYS AND GIRLS (GRADES 1-6) 3. shorts Navy blue gym T-shirt (plain with no pictures or writing) Site socks'and''white tennis shoes uiTi I THE STUDENTS BE ALLOWED TO WEAR SHORTS? WILL THE d to wear ANSWER: length gym During weather. physical education the shorter classes only. snorts i^i-'alloweo wear navy g hot weather, stuoents shorter than 1 walking f'the(ooler weather, the same walking :rerirn:th"rh
rts%a"y%r:orn with knee socks if desired. blue 4. WHEN AND WHERE CAN I PURCHASE THE UNIFORM ? ANSWER: Uniforms may be purchased at any merchant who stocks specifications uniform pieces that established for meet the make the uniform you select a pattern specified in the requirements. Unless SpSiir of the plaid material, once supplier pieces may parent wishes to right as long as the plaid material. ctkirt is chosen, tnose . , choose to want them in your child you 5. WHAT the criteria or If a school uniform. it will be perfectly all and fabric color as we can find the the plaid jumper and be purchased if have to wardrobe. UNIFORM(S) AFTER MY CHILD LEAVES CAN I DO WI^\UIRES A LARGER SIZE? rockefeller OR^SROWTH^REWUXRLo n At the end of each^tc^ether Clothing could be taken to answer: establish a way for clothing. sale where parents uniform pieces. another possibility. uniform or a sell outgrown resale outlet as we could have a and exchangemany pieces should I BUY? , ANSWER- It is recommended that you purchase at least 2 ' con vniir child will have enough to allow time or chiia wii children like to for washing and keeping clothing clean. Children change from day to day also. 6. HOW It is 3 changes so your have a 7. THE be asked to start wearing HHAT*-AGE WILL THE CHILDREN^--^.^-^^^ CHILDHOOD AT ...... UNIFORM IF THEY ATTEND THE EDUCATION PROGRAM? ANSWER: Children in the four year the uniform program want to participate in be ronin'red until a child enters old program may but it would not hope will renuired until a child enters Mnoergc^r ucu. It is our ?hat all children - Kindergarten throughi 6th gra comply with wearing th. uniform so there will throughout the . school. ___Since^^there^^^^^ Kindergarten. Kindergarten wearing the consistency ) so Since there be a we majority of parents supporting the wearing of expect all families to be cooperative in making this program a success. ***parents are encouraged to CLOTHING SINCE SO MANY and mark all LOOKS ALIKE. ITEMS THAT I PURCHASE A LAUNDRY MARKING PEN WILL HAVE CLOTHING THAT THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT WITH CLOTHING SCHOOL SUCH AS SWEATERS, MIGHT BE REMOVED^T CRITICAL TURNED IN NEARLY and p.e. uniform. every-day. '^if^the hames^ofsS>ts were inside they could returned to the rightful owner. COATS, WE IF THE NAMES OF BEGIRLS JUMPERS SIZE 9-19 half ano teen TEEN HALF SPECIAL MEASURE GIRLS SKIRTS SIZE 9-19 half ano teen TEEN half EXTRA LONG special measure GIRLS BLOOMERS SIZE 9-19 EXTRA SIZE GIRLS TIES GIRLS BLOUSES SHORT S. 9-16 SHORT S BUST LONG S 9-16 LONG S BUST ladies knit GIRLS PANTS 9-6X TWILL 7-16 TWILL JR SIZE TWILL half size GIRLS SHORTS 9-6X TWILL 7-16 TWILL JR SIZE TWILL half size GIRLS CARDIGAN 9-6-8 lG-12-19 16-18-20 90 ANO UP GIRLS OXFORD SHORT SL 9-6X SHORT SL 7-19 SHORT SL BUST long LONG LONG SL 9-6X SL 7-19 SL BUST GIRLS CULOTTE i^S^BOX ^'^^-9818 BENTON AR 72015 UNIFORM PRICE LIST MARCH 1,1992 BOYS PANTS pleated SIZE 9-16 TEEN AND HALF SPECIAL MEASURE GIRLS VEST SIZE 9-16 $ 23.00 $ 29.00 $ 26.00 $ 29.00 S 21.00 $ 22.00 $ 29.00 $ 29.00 $ 27.00 $ s s s s 7.50 9.50 9.50 8.75 9.75 $ 10.50 * 12.75 $ 12.75 $ 15.00 $ 17.00 $ 19.00 $ 21.00 $ 12.50 $ 13.50 $ 15.50 $ 18.00 s 16.50 $ 18.00 $ 20.00 $ 25.00 $ 10.50 $ 11.50 $ 12.50 S 12.00 S 13.00 $ 19.00 $ 21.00 $ 23.00 $ 25.00 $ 21.00 9-7 SM-REG 8-16 SM REG HUSKY OR PREP MENS 33 UP BOYS PANTS PLAIN 9-7 SM-REG 8-16 SM-REG husky OR PREP MENS 33 UP BOYS OR GIRLS BELTS LEATHER BOYS SHIRTS 9-20 SHORT SL MENS SHORT 9-20 LONG SL $ 16.00 S 18.00 i 21.00 S 22.00 $ 19.00 $ 16.00 S 19.00 S 20.00 $ 5.00 $ 10.50 $ 19.00 $ 13.00 V NECK PULL OVER SWEATERS 9-6-8 10-12-19 16-18-20 SIZE 90 UP BOYS SHORTS 9-7 TWILL 8-16 TWILL husky PREP MEN 33 UP V NECK CARDIGAN 9-6-8 10-12-19 16-18-20 90 ANO UP BOYS OXFORD SHIRTS ' 9-7 SHORT SL 8-20 SHORT SL MEN LONG SL 9-7 LONG SL 8-20 MENS LONG trinity shirt MISS SELMA t 19.00 9 16.00 $ 18.00 $ 20.00 $ 13.50 $ 19.50 S 15.50 $ 17.00 S 16.50 $ 18.00 J 20.00 1 25.00 $ 10.50 t 11.50 $ 12.50 $ 12.00 $ 13.00 $ 19.00 S 12.00 $ 12.00/a/ PULASKI HEIGggS ELEMENTARY MAR 2 7 1996 March 26, 1996 Dear Parents, Teachers and Staff, Office of Desegregation Moniwnny Many of you at Pulaski Heights Elementary have expressed an interesl in school uniforms for our students. The PTA Board would like to assess the interest of aU parents, teachers and staff in our school. Please take a few minutes to read the following information and answer the questions on the attached page. Parents, we ask that you return the questionnaire to your childs teacher by Monday, April 1, 1996. Teachers and staff may return their questionnaires to school counselor, Jenifer Gentry, by the same date. Research shows that school uniforms: Improve behavior, discipline, self-esteem and self-respect
Raise attendance and student achievement
Put the focus on learning and away from fashion competition or distracting clothing
Enhance school security by readily identifying students and non-students
Create unity by easing ethnic, economic and cultural differences
Promote school pride and a sense of belonging. Several Little Rock public schools have implemented a uniform policy with great success. Preliminary investigation shows that school uniforms can be conveniently purchased in local stores at affordable prices. A uniform committee made up of parents, teachers and staff would make decisions regarding uniform style and color
compliance measures
availability of financial assistance and procedures for applying for assistance
methods to recycle school uniforms within the school community
and guidelines for outer-wear, shoes, headgear and optional attire. More information about a uniform policy will be presented at the next PTA meeting. The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 4, 1996, at 6:30 p.m. in the Pulaski Heights auditorium. Please plan to attend to give your input and have your questions answered. A vote of PHE parents will be taken within the next month and, if approved, the uniform policy will be presented to district administration for implementation to begin in the Fall. Again, please answer the questions on the following page and return by Monday, April 1st. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Drake or Melissa Hawkins at 666-7474. Thank you for your time. Sincere^, Pulaski Heights Elementary PTA Board Lillie Carter, Principal cc: Little Rock School Board Members Dr. Henry Williams Ann Brown John Walker (TO 5.:W 'JPulaski Heights Elementary Uniform Questionnaire 1. Parents, in the Fall, 1996, what grade will your child be tn at Pulaski Heights Elementary? If you will have more than one child at PHE, please circle as many grades as apply. K 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Sth 6th Not applicable Teachers/Staff, what grade do you teach/work with at PHE? Circle as many as apply. K 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Sth Sth All grades 2. Are you in favor of a school uniform policy for Pulaski Heights Elementary school? Yes No 1 need more information 3. Would you be interested in serving on the uniform committee? If yes, please complete the name/address section below so that we may contact you. Yes No Maybe Comments: Name (optional) Address Telephone # Please return this questionnaire by Monday, April 1, 1996.March 25,1996 received Ms. Ann Brown Office of Desegregation Monitoring 201 East Markham Little Rock, AR 72201 Otfice of Desegregation Monitonngi Dear Ms. Brown
Many parents, teachers and staff at Forest Park Elementary School have expressed an interest in school uniforms for our students. It is our objective to conduct a feir and unbiased survey of any interest in a school-wide uniform policy. A committee is being formed to assess the information gathered. A tentative schedule and our intent have been outlined as follows: 1) April 1 - PTA meeting to be held at Forest Park at which the research data and the concerns of parents and faculty members regarding implementation of a uniform policy will be addressed. 2.) April 2 - Survey to assess the interest in or opposition to a School Uniform Policy to be sent to all parents. 3.) April 11,6:30 pm - Meeting to be held at Forest Park with open discussion concerning uniform policy and style show/presentation of possible uniform choices. 4.) April 15 - Official Ballot forms to be sent to all parents, including pre-registered parents, to be returned by April 18. 5.) April 25 - If approved by parental vote, committee members will request to come before the Little Rock School Board to present results and seek approval. If you have any concerns or recommendations, please contact Beth Munsey or Paige Rystrom. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Sincerely, Paige Rystrom 666-5444 Beth Munsey 664-1936 2 9 cc
Katherine Mitchell, Michael Daugherty, Judy Magness, John Rigss, Linda Pondexter, Pat Gee, Sue Strickland, Dr. Henry Williams, Virginia Ashley, Laura Doramus, Mim Hundley, John Walker05/11/2000 10:17 501-324-2281 L R S D SRO PAGE 01/01 ' LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOLS WITH UNIFORMS 1999-2000 I i Alternative Learning Center (Middle School) Bale Baseline i Brady Clinton ( 1 Ooverdale Elementary Cloverdale Academy (Middle School) Crystal Hill Dodd Fair Park i Geyer Springs King " . I MeadowclilT I Mabclvale Elementary Mitchell Rightsell I Rockefeller Terry I i Washingtod "Watson Western Udis Williams I05/11/2000 09:46 501-324-2281 L R S n SRO PAGE 02/02 KEATHLEY, DEANA From: Sent
To
KEATHLEY, DEANA Monday: May 08, 2000 11.30 AM WASHINGTON, JAMES: LUCKER, LIZjyil^M Subject: STEPHANIE DIVFRCITY team LUNCHEON \Ne had a good group in April at the "Divercity Team" luncheon things came up. There were several that promised to come, but other we really need to have a large group at the May luncheon so Mr. Modeste can me know if you will able to attend by Friday 5-12^.________ MAYTO^RCITYteam LUNCHEON" WHEN: Thursday, May 18, 2000 report our progress to others Please let WHERE: Clark's . 6805 Cantrell Rd. (Same shopping center as Steinmart) I TIME: Little Rock, AR 11:30 a.m. 1PULASKI HEIGHTS ,HMOR HIGH SCHOOL SCHOOL UNIFORM BALLOT The results from the school uniform survey are in: 83% of the parents responding voted in favor of developing a school uniform policy. As a result of the survey, the School I niform Committee has drafted procedures for implementation of the policy. Also enclosed are drawings of the proposed uniform. YOUR VOTE IS VTRY EVIPORT.ANT! For the implementation and success of a uniform policy, parents, teachers, and the school administration must support the policy. I. Are you in favor of a school wide uniform policy at PHJH? \ es No H. Please indicate grade level your child is in now: 6th 7th Sth 9th in. In accordance with desegregation guidelines, please indicate your race: Please return this ballot to the PHJH in the enclosed envelope by May 16.1996. if additional information is needed, please contact Priscilla Alexander, Lally Brown. Melanie Bradford, or Selma Chandler at 671-6250.PULASKI HEIGHTS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY All parents/auardians will sian a contract aareeing to the PHJH Uniform Policy at registration. If parents/auardians choose not"to participate in the PHJH Uniform Policy, they may request a transfer to another Tumor hiah school from the Little Rock School District Student Assignment Office, Financial assistance for parents who cannot afford a uniform will be provided. Criteria tor assistance will be determined by PHJH Administration. Close monitorina of uniform compliance is imperative in order to have a successful uniform policy. Therefore, PHJH has adopted the following procedures: receive a document Students mav wear ONLY clothing stated on the uniform list. All other items will be confiscated and remrned to parents. Students who violate the uniform policy will: a) first violation: receive a document with parental notification, b) second violation: sent-home to change clothes c) third violation: sent-home for parent conference the following day. Parents must arrange for immediate pick-up of students sent ... . > I ..*j_______till__p 'ini'finnc nt Tn.crnnnl home, dl bevond the third violation students will be subject to increased sanctions ot In-school Suspension or "Out-of-School Suspensions." PULASKI HEIGHTS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM GIRLS Shirt . Color - white, forest (dark ) green (solid) . Style - lone or short sleeve polo type . Fabric - 100% cotton, polyester, poly cotton Color - khaki (solid) may be purchased at Toggery or sewn using Butterwick pattern #4159 View D Fabric - polv cotton mav be purchased at Hancock Fabric Stores Style - double pleat in front and back, must not be more than two inches above or one inch below knee with shirt tucked in Skirt B Color - plaid - e.xclusive for PHJH - may be purchased at Toggery locations only . Fabric - polv cotton , Style - double pleat in front and back, must not be more than two inches above or one meh below knee w'ith shirt tucked in Pants . Color - khaki (solid) . Style - pleated or plain front with side pockets optional, and must fit belted waist with shirt tucked in. . Fabric - twill, polyester, poly cotton, 100% cotton . In-home sewing - Simplicity pattern 7941 View 5 Shorts . Color - khaki (solid) , Style - pleated or plain front with side pockets optional no more than two inches above or one inch below knee, must fit belted waist with shirt tucked in . Fabric -twill, polyester, poly cotton, 100% cotton . In home sewing - Simplicity pattern 7941 View 3 (over)BOYS GIRLS BOYS/GIRLS SHORT SHORTS .1 SHORT SLEEVE POLO I 1 T 1 PANT PANT n \ V. I LONG SLEEVE POLO PULASKI HEIGHTS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM UlJ __ PLEATED SKIRT CREW NECK SWEATSHIRT I Arkansas Democrat J SUNDAY, APRIL 14. 1996 New uniforms suit three LR schools fine BY CHRIS REINOLDS DemocralGazeHe SlaI Wtrler Morgan Ibilladay ami Gaiy Anderson wake up each morning ami pull on navy liine pants ami white oxford shirts their public school uniforms. Clinton has been touting school uniforms as a way to protect children from gangs and violence. If it means that teen-agers will slop killing each other over designer jackets, then our public schools should he able to require their Morgan, a bouncy third grader. students ttwo w..ve.a..r u..n...ir..o..r.m...s... be likes it. "We liiiik niter limn other said in a ! ebruan. radio addrras. schools," .she says. Gary, a gangly sixtli-grader. hale.s it. When you I gel new clothes for Cbrislinas, you I ccaann 'tt wweeaarr tthheemm,,"" hhee egrrooluiSsCeSs.. Morgan, 9, and (Jary, 12, attend , Ilockefeller Elementary School in t cceennttrraa!! LUiititiliee kHoocckk,, oonnee ooif itnhrreeee . schools in the Little Hock School District that rc<|uire students to leave their jean.s at home. As a girl Morgan can also choose a plaki skirt or jumper. In his Slate of the Union message and on the slump, President Uniforms Continued from Page 1A problems. Ilockefeller, an incentive school that made uniforms mandatory this school year, is one of the test cases. Uniforms are also required at Williams Magnet Elementary, In west Little Rock, which began phasing them in four years ago, and at the districts Alternative l>earning Center. Several other schools in the Little Rock district, including Forest Park and Pulaski Heights elementaries. are studying the issue. Little Rock school board member Mike Daugherty, a leading proponent, is pushing for more schools including junior higjis to adopt uniforms. In the Pulaski County Special School District, Crystal Hill Magnet Elementary started a voluntary uniform policy this school year, but most students dont follow it. Until recently, unifonns were most often associated with private schools. Catholic schools felt they helped poor students fit in with students from higher-income families. , At Rockefeller, they have Improved dlMtlpUne, HcconlliiB hi third-grade teacher Skip Gardner. Before the uniforms, children would fight over and criticize each other about their clothes. . . Normally, you think of private schools wearing them, but Id put my kids up against any of them, Gardner said. "1 just feel like it helps their self-esteem and prepares them. But critics disagree with Gard- Ile promised then that the Education Department would dis- Iribule manuals to the nation's IG.IKX) school dislricls, advising them how to enforce a scliool-uni-form policy. Some parents love the idea. Others see it as a misguided government infringement on personal freedom. Critics, like the American Civil Liberties Union, argue that uniforms in public schools are just a Band-Aid for serious See UNIFORMS, Page12A Arkansas Detnocral-Gazetle/STEVE KEESEE Me nussdl, a lirsl-g,ader at Williams Magnel Elemenlaiy, loads her classinales in "quiel mode" alle, physical eduialion. ell. The Long Beach district agreed in February to provide uniforms for poor students and to allow a waiver for students who didnt want to wear them. And even Villa-McDowell concedes that, when It is well Implemented, a uniform policy has every possibility of leveling the playing field. In Long Beach, student drug cases, sex offenses, awault and battery cases, aanndd ffiigghhttss ddee-creased, according to the U.S. Department of Education. At Rockefeller and at Williams, the principals say no one has voiced serious objections to the il ir uniforms. , The implicit message Is its not quite church, yet it's not the ballpark, Williams Mary Menk-ing said. "It's an integral part of the statement were making to children and the community. We feel the dress is part of the overall success of the school. Since its Inception, Williams has been known for Its strong emphasis on discipline and basic skills. It has always maintained a strict dress code, and four years ago parents voted to require uni-forms. Children in kindergarten AikBusas UemocKil-UwaHB/aievi: Khl.sn Ftarha Babbs keeps her unonhed kWergartnen In order attar physiral edncallen at Williams Magne! Elementag, Stbeol. The solutions to violence and poor school attendance and bad attitudes to education ... are much more complicated. James UeWinter, whose son attends Forest Park, was furious one a junior high student who graduated from Rockefeller, the other a 5-ycar old who just started through third grade now wear uniforms. Another grade will be mlih-d Infh yi'iir unlH every "bl ner's perception. There are no studies that show uniforms create positive behavior, contends Rita Spillenger, executive director of the Arl^nsas ACLU chapter. . This is really a very cynical It s not American. when his PTA sent out a survey on parent interest in required let. there. , ,, Her older daughter doesnt wear uniforms, and the cost of the latest fashions hits Bledsoes wal-cial help from the school and the 1TA, which has a uniform resale every year. Uniform pieces can be found at most department stores and at discount stores such as dent is outfitted. Parents at Rockefeller must sign a parent contract that requires them to comply with that school's uniform policy. Parents who object can ask for a transfer to anollier school. No one has left the school because of the uni-sc forms. iitiifnrni<! EEvveerryyUthlilnllgg nneeww tUhioavt comes "Mv child will wear what he out, she wants it," Bledsoe said. wanb\o, UeWinter said. "1 will 'f start uniforms in junior go to court for the freedom to decide what I want my child to wear. and superficial solution to a very complicated problem, Spillenger Some parents do say that uniat least easier on their said. , They're trying to use a Band- Aid to patch a crumbling wall. wallets. .. Connie Bledsoe, an aide at Rockefeller, has two daughters uui, a*ic wuiiio If they start uniforms in junior high, shell be wearing them. Uniforms at Williams and Rockefeller cost about $50 for boys and $75 for girls. Prices would be higlier if specific collars or patches were required. Students whose parents cannot afford to buy uniforms get finan- Target and Kmart. wuus. , Nevertheless, cost was an issue Sixth-grade teacher Ann when laoiig Beach, Calif., in 1994 Larkowski said the uniforms have became the first district in tlie na- produced better-behaved chll-tion to require uniforms in all el- dren ellininaled infiu enieiitary and middle schools, eiice of the neighborhood s gang^ The ACLU and the Ugal Aid No more sagging jeans. No more Foundation of Long Beach sued short shorts. _ .. the district on behalf of 53 chil- "rnsr tn dren who could not alTord them. Some families who were using rent money to buy unifonns were evicted from their homes, said stair attorney Terri Villa-McDow- ljniKUWni ., It, children and eliminated the infiu-ence It, suui to. , Prior to uniforms, it was obnoxious, Larkowski said, "It teaches the kids to be themselves without outside means. They re dressed for school, they know it s business. It Arkansas Democrat ^(Sazcttc TUESDAY, JUNE 11. 1996 Just another liberal plot I Re your call for opinions on the school uniform issue: This is a very simple, cut- and-dried situation. This is the very core, yes, the heart and soul of the liberal agenda When a social problem arises, they want to solve the problem by taking something away from the haves and giving it to the have-notsthus taking away from the have- nots the very incentives to succeed. The 1 iberals are only trying to keep their stranglehold on the public school systems by promising false solutions to the problems they have created. When I was a child, we were given instructions in the Greek classics, classical music, the arts. etc. Now these subjects have been pushed aside to make room for recycling, diversity, self-esteem, AIDS awareness ad nauseam. -Instead of admitting that theyre wrong, they promise to reform the American educational system by implementing even more of their inane ideas. Instead of punishing the thugs who kill their peers for sneakers and Starter jackets, they want to remove the temptation. We as a society need to wake up and tell these people, Weve seen what youve done
well take our chances with something else. This attempt at imposing school uniforms is only the latest ploy by the liberals to reward failure and penalize success. Do we want a cookie-cutter society? Do we want our children to follow the beat of the liberal drummer? What is the ultimate penalty wewill pay for trying to clone our children? Whats next if dressing all the children alike doesnt work? Maybe the next thing to try is shaving their heads and making them on this. I know that is the right thing for him to do. I will be proud of him for that RAMONA TILLER Perry waikbackward. frank DUFFY Rogers Rich, poor dressed alike .rbelieve all schools should require uni- forms. There are children who dont have money for clothes that the well-off have. My children went through a Catholic school where rich and poor dressed alike. I know firsthand about the well-off always wearing the pretty, expensive clothes. The rest of us couldnt. 'That does count. J hope President Clipton will get backing Uniform policy needed As a product of the Little Rock public schools, a parent and a patron, I would like to strong encourage a district-wide school uniform policy. The public schools I attended were quite different from the ones my children do and will attend. The district has problemssome real, some perceived. Enrollment is dropping at a steady rate and it seems no one can or will admit that the problem is really quite simple. Parents want, expect and deserve a safe and secure environment for their children to grow and learn in. They want stability m school assignments and solid leadership from the administration. Mandatory school uniforms linked with increased discipline, such as the zerotolerance policy, would be a giant leap forward in reclaiming our public schools. Numerous educators around the country with firsthand experience in public school uniform policies provide strong evidence of the positive effects. It has been shown that school uniforms can improve student behavior, reduce violence, increase attendance, foster school pride and a sense of belonging, improve safety by easily identifying who belongs on camp^, eliminate gang-related colors and clothing, diminish perceived economic differences, help put the focus on the business at hand, i.e. education, and be affordably obtained. Parents opposed to the idea of school uniforms seem to have one main concern
that school uniforms will stifle their childs individuality and creativity. Wouldnt we rather our children be known for their inner self and true individuality rather than by the cool clothes they wear? How sad to think that the only way our children have to express themselves is through the pair oftennis shoes they have . on, not by the way they conduct themselves or through their ideas and talente. School uniforms are an old idea with new and promising possibilities. DRAKE A. HAWKINS little RockArkansas Democrat (gazelle | THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1996 , Emphasize self-esteem ' Let the schools allow self-esteem to be of utmost importance in their curriculums. When this happens, the thought that uniforms will solve our school problems will simply not be needed. JEAN WHITEHEAD Little RockArkansas Democrat (gazelle THURSDAY. JUNE 13, 1996. Letters School uniforms a bankrupt idea This year marks the 50th anniversary of the publishing of George Orwells Animal Farm. What a delightful and insightful hour or so of reading! Tlie reader could easily find it amusing on the surface and horrifying, upon further consideration, for its portrait of power gone mad. On the surface, mandatoiy school uniforms for virtually mandatory school attendance has a point, that being that the proliferation of muggings and sometimes killing of schoolchildren by schoolchildren because they were wearing a $100 pair of athletic shoes the perpetrator wanted... might be abated. This reminds me of the parent who told me of her 10-year-old daughters experience of having another student put his hand down the front of her dress on the playground during recess.,When the girl complained to the teacher on recess duty, she was told that if she would play in a different area of the playground, it probably would not happen again. TTie solution to crime is not to put public schoolchildren in uniforms. The solution would be for teachers, administrators, parents and persons of integrity to vigorously protest the sanction of envy. Regardless of motive, school uniforms will only up the ante. School uniforms for public schoolchildren is a bankrupt idea. It displaces responsibility. It will inevitably place an increased tax burden on an already overtaxed population. It will, by policy, make a mockery of reason, evade principle, punish achievers through their children and communicate a perverted logic to any child who cares to reason for himself or
herself. , Im sure cancer patients and their loved ones experience some sense of comfort when the Band-Aid is placed on the cancer
at least something is being done. GEORGE T. SPENCE ConwayArkansas Democrat (gazelle THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1996, Not solution to problems a believe that requiring school uniforms in public schools would put discipline and learning back in our schools I am neither for nor against uniforms. I think they are fine if that is what the school au^orities and/or parents want. A student killing another student over an article of clothing points to a deeper problem with that child than that of simply coveting a jacket ora pair of tennis shoes. This makes a terrible statement about our society. Children learn what they are taught at home. They learn from examples set before them by those who are supposed to love and care for them more than anyone else does. Their parents or guardians are the ones who teach little children what choices to make in their lives. Unfortunately, those who are taught to make bad choices are not the only ones who suffer the consequences of those choices. solution to our problems in public schools or any other place was as simple as requiring uniforms. I daresay tliat ^oimd enough uniforms to go J am sure that President Clinton is not naive or unwise enough to believe that this IS the solution to our problems in public schools. Hearts need to be changed. If we ever needed a nationwide change of hearts it IS now. MARY E. BURT CrossettArkansas Demccraf^CiSjrtzelte ' 13, 2000 District will create dress panel 24 Ll< schools now use uniform policies BYCYNflllA HOWELL ARKANSAS I)EM(H'RAI-GAZEt Ui At Little Rocks Brady Elenien- Uniforms Continued from Page IB school district would have to sign a petition requesting the ballot question. If voters approved the ballot uniforms. Additionally, provisions must be made for parents not financially able to purchase uniforms for their children. Board members did not discuss the uniform issue at length this week nor did they attempt to reach consensus on the direction the district should go on the matter. question, the district would be obligated to select an appropriate uni- ------------------------------ . . form and carry out a uniform policy, pointed out tliat several district The district must report to the schools allow so many different col- state Department of Education by or combinations that their uniform Nov. 17 the recommendation of its a Board President Sue Strickland tary School, pupils for the fiist time lUiy ociiuui, pupiio iMi viit. iiiov piiiiv 1 this year are wearing uniforms to class: navy or kliaki colored skills or polities are more like dress codes than uniform mandates. Board member Mike Daugherty vote. said he believes the uniforms can Brady Gadbeny special assis- contribute to a calmer learning en- tant to Caniine. told the School vironment. Board member Baker Board at a Thursday meeting that Kumis said there is a lack of scien- the Act 1301 of 1999 allows local tific research in the country on school boards to establish a policy whether uniform-clad pupils do bet- .. ter in school. advisory committee, the board reaction anil the outcome of any public that gives schools the choice of repants, matched with shills of white, blue or gold. On Fridays, blue jeans and Brady school T-shirts are pennitted. Brady Principal Ada Keown said about 8.5 percent of the children routinely wear those uniforms. When they don't, she tries to remind them to do so. Next year, she will lake a slightly stronger stand, sending notc.s home to the parents of those who don't wear the specified clothing. T\venty-four, or nearly half of the Little Rock School District school.s have put unifonu policies into place
eight schools this year alone. Most are elemenhiric.s but there are two middle schools and the Alternative Learning Center, a.s well. Since the early 1990s, the school district has left the question of instituting uniform policies to parents at each school. The district practice lias been to require a school to show that an ovci-whehning majority of parents support tlie implementation of a uniform policy. Now, in response to a 1999 state law, district officials will appoint a committee for the purpose of considering whether the district should adopt a unifonu dress code for students." Superintendent Les Canline said Friday that he hopes recommendations from an advisoi'y committee will move along the same lines as llic cunent practice of allowing the school to decide the unifonu question for themselves. Hut, Caniine also said that eveiy practice can be improved upon and that the committee may have some ideas. School Board members agreed earlier this week that they will nominate two adults and one student from each of the seven school board election zones, plus a chainnan, to make up the committee. The board has the option to accept, reject or not act on whatever the advisoiy committee might recommend. If a committee recommends a uniform dress code and tlie board does not adopt one, then the issue could be placed on the ballot at the September school board election, according to the state law. But, to get the issue on the ballot, 5 percent of the qualified electors in the See UNIFORMS, Page 98 quiring unifomis. Keown said Friday that it is too He quoted a portion of the law soon to measure the effect of the that savs "nothing ... shall be con- uniforms at her school, where as stilled to limit the ability of a school many as 95 percent of the parents district or a particular school within said in a sun'ey last year that they a district to adopt and implement a school uniform policy. Any school forms. district may implement a school uniform policy without submitting the issue to the electors of the district. wanted the school to require uniKeown did say that tlie dress policy has eliminated most talk among ____________________________ pupils about each other's clothing. Gadberry also pointed out to the She also said she has not had to i board that any unifoi-m policy must send anyone home this year behave some provisions for students to cause of shorts that are too shori or apply to opt out of the uniform re- sagging pants with low-riding quirement if there isn't any other waistbands. The absence of those reasonable placement for the stu- .-i-...-~ dent. Parental consent is necessary factors has to contribute to a better to allow a student to opt out of the said. focus on learning, the principalI Arkansas Democrat'^(i^azcttc ' TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1997 Copyrlfihl Little Rock Newspapers. Inc. Here are goals of schools I respectfully disagree with those citizens who favor school uniforms. I'm sure their intentions are good, but they are misguided. Forcing students to wear uniforms to school will not stop children from ridiculing each other. Instead of uniforms, lets double our effort to teach children tolerance and respect for everyone, regardless of their clothes, hairstyle, religion, rule or socioeconomic background. Schools need to be teaching tolerance, not taking away rights. When anyones rights are taken away, we all suffer. The goal of schools should be to produce intelligent, open-minded, clear-thinking, tolerant adults. That goal is impossible to achieve in an atmosphere that includes mandatory uniforms, urinalysis, random searches and curfew laws. Our children are being indoctrinated with the idea that individual rights can usurped by the needs of the government. This is a dangerous ideato be teaching tomorrows leaders. LYNDA ROGERS Bryanto o o CM co Proposal gives LR pupils a vote on uniforms o o o BY CYNTHIA HOWELL ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Little Rock high school students wont be wearing uniforms to school unless the students themselves not their parents vote to do so, according to a proposed policy and set of regulations pending before the School Board. Middle school students also would get some say in how they have to dress, according to the regulations, but their parents would get a vote as well. In the elementary schools, only parents would do the voting on uniforms. The Little Rock School Board is scheduled to cast an initial vote Oct. 24 on a school uniform policy that would become final only after a second vote, probably in November. Board members reviewed the proposal at an agenda-setting session Thursday during which they also authorized district staff to negotiate lease agreements with four churches Bethel AME Church, 815 16th St.
Southwest Community Church, 7400 Lancaster Road
First Presbyterian Church, 800 Scott St.
and the Temple of Restoration Church, 12825 Interstate 30 West for classroom space for middle school students suspended one to 10 days from their regular schools. The classrooms would be staffed during regular school hours with Little Rock School District teachers and aides so the students could continue their lessons despite their suspensions. The students parents would have the choice of sending the suspended child to the shortterm alternative program. 'The program is being funded with the federal Safe Schools grant that the district received earlier this year. Use of the churches hinges on the district being able to lease the rooms within the budget set in the grant. 'The uniform proposal stems from a 1999 state law requiring school boards statewide to establish committees of parents and students to consider whether their districts should adopt a uniform dress code. The Little Rock committee submitted its recommendations last month. Several Little Rock schools, mostly elementaries, already have long-standing school uniform policies. According to the proposed policy, each school would continue to have the option of adopting uniforms. Specific groups within a school would have to propose a uniform policy for a school vote. Nominating groups would include a parent committee appointed by the Parent Teacher Association or the schools campus leadership team. Twenty percent of parents at an elementary school could petition for a vote on uniforms. Parents or students could petition at the middle schools and high schools, where student councils could also propose a vote. Each schools campus leadership team would actually establish the uniform code. The proposed uniform would have to fall within the limits set in the districts overall dress code regulations in the students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. To be adopted, the uniform would have to be approved by 80 percent of the eligible voters. A school could vote on a uniform code no more than once a school year, and it would have to be early enough in the spring that it could take effect the following fall. Students or their parents, depending on the students age, would have the ability to opt out of the required dress code without having to transfer to another school, according to the proposed regulations.Novembe r 1 7, 2 0 0 0 School uniform policy approved Board gives LR parents, pupils a say in whether clothes should look alike BY CYNTHIA HOWELL ARKANSA.S DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE The Little Rock School Bbard gave final approval Thursday to a dress-code policy that allows, but doesnt require, parents or students at individual schools to create their own school uniform rules. ' The new policy is accompanied i by regulations requiring 80 per- i cent of the parents of children in elementary school to approve the establishment of any uniform code. At the middle-school level, pupils will have some say in the way they dress, as 80 percent of the parents and the students must favor implementing a uniform policy at the middle grades. At the high school level, only an 80 percent supermajority of the students can vote uniforms into place. A student, the students parents or both depending on the age of the student can choose to have the student not wear the schools selected uniform. The student or the parent, however, must complete an opt-out form and submit it to school administrators before the student can be excused from the uniform code. Administrators should ask the family for a reason for opting out of the uniform policy, according to the regulations, but the family is not obligated to respond. If an opt-out form has not been completed, a student will be expected to comply with the school uniform code. The district regulations also include provisions on how a school would revoke a uniform rule. The School Board approved the dress policy, including the language on school uniforms, at the prompting of a requirement from the state that districts appoint citizen committees to consider school uniforms. More than a dozen of the Little Rock schools already operate with uniform policies that they put in place under earlier but less formal district regulations.
This project was supported in part by a Digitizing Hidden Special Collections and Archives project grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Council on Library and Information Resoources.